Schools

Jacqueline Shanes Named Board of Education President

Scott Silverstein will serve as vice-president.

The Springfield Board of Education nominated and selected Jacqueline Shanes as its president for 2014 at its reorganization meeting Monday evening. Shanes has previously served as the Board's president.

Scott Silverstein, who was sworn in for his second full term at the start of the meeting, was named vice-president. Patricia Venezia and Board newcomer Scott Donner were also sworn in by Board secretary Matthew Clarke.

The Board thanked outgoing President Steven Wolcott for his patience and leadership. Silverstein also thanked former Board member Irwin Sablosky, whose term ended in 2013, and said he was grateful to Sablosky for his service to the community and its students as well as for the guidance he provided during their years serving together.

Springfield Mayor Richard Huber addressed the Board and said he looks forward to the continued collaboration of the Board and the Township Committee. Huber said the committee will be sending a representative to Board meetings and, likewise, Shanes said the Board will continue to have members attend committee meetings. 

Springfield resident and former teacher Gale Donner also addressed the Board and expressed her concern that many students do not know the words to the Pledge of Allegiance nor their meaning. Donner, who said she taught for 32 years, recommended that teachers take time to go over the pledge line by line to ensure it is being said correctly and understood, which she said will lead to students feeling a greater sense of "pride in our country."

The Board also voted that should a snow day be necessary between Tuesday and Friday, Jan. 17, schools will open on Monday, Jan. 20 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Currently, schools are scheduled to be closed for the federal holiday. 

Superintendent of schools Michael Davino also advised residents that the tentative calendar dates for future Board of Ed meetings is subject to change and should not be used as a guide to begin planning vacations. While Davino said he can "guarantee" changes will be made, Board members said they will try to have the 2014-2015 school calendar available as soon as possible.

The next Board of Ed meeting will be held Monday, Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the media center at Jonathan Dayton High School. 


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